2561 Amsterdam Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10033

The 49-unit, 6-story residential building at 2561 Amsterdam Avenue in Washington Heights, owned by Richard Scharf and constructed in 1942, has experienced several significant maintenance issues in recent years, with the most pressing being multiple heating and hot water system failures in March-April 2025 affecting the entire building. These incidents, categorized as emergency complaints, generated multiple reports and required HPD intervention, though heat and hot water were reportedly restored each time. Most recently, in June 2025, there were complaints about a broken window guard and ceiling damage, both of which resulted in violations being issued to the property owner. The building's maintenance history reveals recurring issues with basic services and safety features.

In addition to the recent heating system problems, there have been documented rodent control challenges, with inspections showing "Rat Activity" in 2023-2024. A 2024 inspection of apartment 4A found multiple violations including issues with the bathroom fixtures, smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, and bathroom finishes, though these violations were certified as corrected by late 2024. The building's elevator service has also been a concern, with an active complaint from April 2025 regarding the single device on property with no alternate service. While the building has experienced various maintenance challenges, it's worth noting that bedbug reports have shown no infestations in recent years, with the last reported issues occurring in 2018-2019.

The property has a documented pattern of heating system problems, with six separate complaints about heat/hot water issues in March 2025 alone. Safety features have also required attention, as evidenced by the recent window guard violation in June 2025. The building experienced some maintenance issues in 2018, including problems with exterior walls that resulted in a $1,250 penalty. However, it's important to note that the building has passed recent rodent inspections, suggesting some improvement in pest control measures. The housing maintenance code violations as of late 2024 indicate various maintenance issues were addressed, though a mouse infestation complaint from June 2024 was noted as open.